Writing the Winning Thesis or Dissertation

Randy L. Joyner is an adjunct professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC. He is retired from the Department of Educational Leadership in the College of Education of East Carolina University, where he directed or served as committee member for 25 dissertations. Furthermore, he has served as a doctoral committee member at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia; and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina. He has received several awards for his research: the Delta Pi Epsilon doctoral research award, the Omicron Tau Theta Iota Chapter Research Award, and the Delta Pi Epsilon Alpha Chapter Research Award. The results of his research have been published in numerous national and international journals. William A. Rouse Jr. is the Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Faculty Affairs in the College of Education, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC as well as an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership in the College of Education, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. He was a public school teacher and a secondary school principal prior to joining the faculty at East Carolina University. He has worked with several school districts’ administrators to refocus their efforts on effective school leadership practices that result in a dynamic teaching and learning environment. He has also worked with a school district to redesign large comprehensive high schools into smaller learning communities resulting in increased student academic performance. In 2004, he coauthored the Outstanding Paper delivered at the Delta Pi Epsilon National Research Conference; his research has been published in national refereed journals. Allan A. Glatthorn (1924–2007) was a major contributor to the third and fourth editions; his research used in the preparation of the first and second editions of Writing the Winning Thesis or Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Guide was the foundation for the third edition. He was the Distinguished Research Professor of Education (Emeritus) in the College of Education of East Carolina University, where he advised doctoral students, chaired dissertations, and taught courses in supervision and curriculum. He was formerly Professor of Education at the Graduate School of Education of the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to his university assignments, he was a high school teacher and principal. In his work as a professor, he chaired close to 100 dissertations. He is the author of numerous professional books, several of which have been published by Corwin.

Preface
About the Authors
I. Establishing the Foundations
1. Laying the Groundwork for the Thesis and Dissertation
Understanding the Special Nature of the Dissertation
Purposes in Writing the Dissertation
The Audiences for the Dissertation
Analyze the Special Characteristics of the Dissertation
Making Ethical Choices With Respect to the Dissertation
Conduct Ethical Research
Secure Informed Consent
Acknowledge All Those Who Have Contributed or Collaborated
Report the Results Honestly and Objectively
Securing the Needed Resources
Analyze Your Needs
Search for Special Support
Understanding the Key Differences Between the Thesis and the Dissertation
Roles and Responsibilities of the Committee
The Dynamics of the Committee
Preventing Problems with the Committee
Dealing With Committee Problems
Committee Members Do Not Give Feedback Promptly
Committee Members Give Conflicting Advice
Committee Members Give Unhelpful Advice
Relationships Critically Deteriorate
Solving Personal Problems With the Dissertation
Problems Near the End of the Course Work
Problems at the End of Course Work
Problems After the Proposal
Problems After the Defense
A Look Ahead
Technology Technique: The Role of the Internet for Research in the Dissertation Process
2. Dealing With Institutional Requirements
Styles
Specific University Guidelines or Requirements
Institutional Review Board
Knowledge Requirements (Training)
Certificate Time Frame
Degree Completion Timelines
3. Finding a Research Problem
Make a Personal Assessment of Topics
Professional Significance
Continuing Professional Interest
Personal Interest
Career Advancement
Professional Knowledge, Experience, and Skills
Likely Support
Time Required
Accessibility
Conduct a Broad Scan of the Literature
Organize for the Broad Scan
Read to Inquire
Concentrate on Research Reviews
Reflect and Discuss
Fix on the Research Topic and Research Problem
Technology Technique: University Research Librarians
4. Conducting a Focused Review of the Literature
Reorganize Your Files
Retrieve All Related Abstracts
Evaluate the Results
Check for Prior Dissertations
Retrieve the Full Texts of the Most Useful Sources
Use Primary Sources
Develop an Annotated Bibliography
A Concluding Note
Technology Technique: Software for Maintaining Reference Information
5. Making a Preliminary Choice of Methodology
Quantitative and Qualitative Perspectives
Mixed Method Perspective
Project-Based Studies
Research Types
Studies Primarily Quantitative in Nature
Experimental Research
Quasi-Experimental Research
Causal-Comparative Research
Correlational Research
Descriptive Research
Evaluation Research
Studies Primarily Qualitative in Nature
Case Study Research
Ethnographic Research
Action Research
Research Methods
Make Preliminary Choices
Technology Technique: Data Analysis Software I
6. Organizing and Scheduling Your Work
Develop a Planning Chart
Make the Tentative Entries
Technology Technique: Chart Software
7. Developing the Prospectus and Organizing the Committee
Prospectus Rationale
Prospectus Developing
Committee Selection
Committee Dynamics
Technology Technique: Telecommunication and Software Editing Tools
II. Developing and Defending the Proposal
8. Conducting a Comprehensive Critique of the Literature
Maintain Good Research Practices Throughout the Search
Develop a Focused Outline of the Search
Establish Parameters for the Search
Conduct a Comprehensive Search
Critique All Sources Retrieved
A Concluding Note
Technology Technique: Electronic Note Card
9. Detailing the Methodology
The Research Design: Its General Nature
The Research Design: Type-Specific Issues
Quantitative: Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Research
Quantitative: Causal-Comparative Research
Quantitative: Correlational Research
Quantitative: Descriptive Research
Evaluation
Qualitative: Case Study and Ethnographic Research
Mixed Method: Action Research
Develop Your Research Design
Technology Technique: Data Analysis Software II
10. Developing and Defending the Proposal
Peer Collaboration
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
Structuring the Collaborative
Prepare for Comprehensive Examinations
Provide Editorial Feedback
Assist With and Contribute to Literature Review
Assist With and Contribute to Data Collection
Assist With and Contribute to Data Analysis
Prepare for and Contribute to Defenses
Develop and Article for Publication
Provide Emotional Support
Formalize the Structure and Request Advisor Approval
Help the Group Remain Productive
Readers and Reviewers
Mini-Proposal
Developing the Proposal
Developing the Proposal: The Big Picture
Developing the Proposal: Writing Chapter 1
Introduction to the Chapter
Background of the Study
The Problem Statement
Professional Significance of the Study
Developing the Proposal: Writing Chapter 2
Review the Theoretical Literature
Review the Empirical Literature
Developing the Proposal: Writing Chapter 3
Developing the Proposal: The References
Developing the Proposal: The Appendices
Holding the Proposal Defense
Coordinate Committee Schedules: Date and Time
Prepare for the Proposal Defense
Presentation of the Proposal Defense
Facilities
Deal With Other Defense Issues
Post Proposal Steps
Secure IRB Approval
IRB Certification
IRB Certification/Advisor
University Requirements/Protocols
Collect Data After Obtaining Appropriate Approvals
Committee Requirements
Required Edits and/or Revisions
Review and Adjust Timeline
Technology Technique: Page Numbering Using Word Processing Software and University Guidelines
III. Researching and Writing the Thesis or Dissertation
11. Following the Research Design
Communicate Periodically With the Chair
Ensure Access to the Research Site
Avoid Premature Data Collection
Develop a Detailed Planning Calendar
Change the Schedule as Needed
Prevent Problems With the Intervention
Use Computers Mindfully
Ensure a High Rate of Return on Surveys
Maintain Careful and Duplicate Records
Technology Technique: Electronic Data Collection
12. Mastering the Academic Style
Follow the Recommended Style Guide
Use the Writing Process
Develop an Effective Approach to Writing
Write With an Efficient Process
Mastering the Academic Style
Project an Appropriate Persona
Document Assertions
Vary the Way You Identify Sources
Use Appropriate Paragraphing
Write Clear, Mature Sentences
Some Special Matters of Word Choice and Form
Technology Technique: Tools for Writing Software
13. Organizing the Dissertation
How Are Dissertations Organized?
What Principles Govern the Organization of Individual Chapters?
How Can the Organization Be Made Clear to the Reader
How Is the Dissertation Finally Packaged?
Technology Technique: Editors/Style Editors
14. Writing the Introductory Chapter
Introduction to the Chapter
The Background of the Study
The Problem Statement
The Professional Significance of the Study
Overview of Methodology
Limitations and Delimitations
Definition of Terms
Technology Technique: Word Processing and Hanging Indents
15. Writing the Review of the Literature
Update the Comprehensive Critique of the Literature
Reread All Sources
Develop the Final Outline
Use Levels of Headings That Reflect the Outline
Write the Introductory Paragraph
Write the First Section of the Review
Provide an Overview
Generalize
Specific Reminders
Write the Remaining Sections, Including a Summary
Specific Reminders
Evaluate and Revise
Technology Technique: Formatting Quotes
16. Explaining the Methodology
Prepare to Write the Chapter
Use an Objective Style in Writing the Chapter
Determine the Content of the Chapter
Outline the Chapter and Use Headings Appropriately
Make an Outline
Use Appropriate Headings
Describe the Context for the Study
Identify the Subjects or Participants
Identify the Instruments Used to Collect Data
Explain the Procedures Used in Completing the Design
Explain How the Data Were Analyzed
Write a Summary
Technology Technique: Formatting
17. Presenting the Results
Prepare to Present the Results
Decide on the Contents and Format of the Chapter
Determine the Organization of the Chapter
Develop the Tables and Figures
Write the Introductory Paragraph
Write the First Section
Write the Remaining Sections, Using Appropriate Headings
Revise the Chapter and Submit It for Review
Technology Technique: Using Software to Create Figures and Tables
18. Summarizing and Discussing the Results
Review the Results Reported
Develop an Outline of the Final Chapter
Write the Introductory Paragraph
Restate the Problem and Review the Methodology
Summarize the Results
Discuss the Meaning of the Study
Reflect on Your Findings
Determine the Content of the Discussion Section
Write the Discussion Section
Technology Technique: Software Capabilities
IV. Defending and Profiting From the Dissertation
19. Preparing and Holding the Dissertation Defense
Planning
Secure Needed Resources
Edit the Dissertation
Check on Content and Order
Write the Abstract
Write the Title and Approval Pages
Write the Acknowledgment Pages
Write the Table of Contents and Lists of Tables and Figures
Include the Chapters
Finalize the References
Finalize Any Appendices
Submit the Dissertation
Holding the Defense
Prepare
Facilities
Presentation
After Your Presentation
After the Defense
University Requirements
University Graduate School or University Library
Electronic
IRB Completion Requirements
Study Closure
Documentation
Technology Technique: Packaging the Final Draft of The Dissertation
20. Publishing the Thesis or Dissertation
Add to the Research Knowledge Base
Present a Scholarly Paper
Publish a Journal Article
Identify Several Possible Journals
Make a Careful Analysis of Each Journal
Prepare the Article for Submission
Develop a Plan to Publish a Book
Complete the Book Plan
Submit the Book Plan
Technology Technique: Journal Software Requirements
References
Index